“The team at the city puts people first, and I am happy to be a part of that team.”

Chris Fiore joined the City of South Lake Tahoe as their Communications Manager with a goal of increasing transparency and creating a better dialogue with residents. Since accepting his position, Chris has worked to create new platforms of communication, including text updates, streaming City Council meetings, social media updates, and the new bi-weekly video series, “What’s Happening”. His enthusiasm for his new community stretches into his active role in Lake Tahoe Pride, where he was recently the driving force behind City Council recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month.

Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, Chris Fiore!

Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?

After a decade in television news, I decided to make a radical shift and go to work for the City of South Lake Tahoe. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. In my current role, I’m responsible for all aspects of communication for the City. Since I started with the City we have revamped the way we communicate, including text updates, a renewed focus on social media, bi-weekly news style content, and live City Council meetings streamed on our channel and on Facebook.

What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?

This has been a challenging year for the City, and there have been a lot of moments of marked growth for me professionally and personally. From personally responding to individual concerns during Snowglobe to boots on the ground community organizing to gauge public input about the US 50 South Shore Community Revitalization Project, my favorite part about this career is the ability to hear peoples concerns and work to resolve them. The team at the city puts people first, and I am happy to be a part of that team.

Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live by?

Whether is was in broadcasting, or in government, I’ve always said you must be honest with people if you want them to be honest with you. It’s something I’ve always strived to live by and it’s served me well. From the battlefield in Afghanistan, to the hurricane battered North Carolina coast, to something as simple as responding to Facebook messages on behalf of the City, honesty, transparency, and good faith are ways to build trust and have constructive conversations every time.

Who is your role model?

My husband Zach has an innate ability to persevere through hardship, to see the best in people, and never stop trying to make his corner of the world better for himself and those around him. I admire him every single day, and would say as role models go, for me, he’s the best one I’ve found.

Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?

What a special place to live and work! When I had my first phone interview for this job, I was asked “Why Tahoe?” My response was simple, “Why not Tahoe!” It’s a beautiful, complicated community with a variety of issues to dive into and a thriving population with challenging issues where I could be a part of the solution. For me, it was a perfect fit.

Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?

I have recently become a part of Lake Tahoe Pride. LGBTQ issues hold a special place in my heart and this community is so wonderfully supportive. The organization gives out scholarships to deserving students every year, and more than that, it has shown itself to be a beacon for equality and acceptance here in South Lake Tahoe.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?

Considering I’ve never lived in a place where it snowed before we really enjoyed skiing and sledding during the winter months, but now it is all about the lake! I grew up on the ocean in North Carolina, and I just love to be in and around the water!

Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds

We love South Lake Brewing, the views from The Beacon, and watching sunsets at Lakeview Commons. Honestly though, there isn’t a bad spot to be in South Lake Tahoe!

Do you know a deserving young professional? Nominate them here.